Meet Camille Kouyoumdjian

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Camille Kouyoumdjian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Camille, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

As an artist focused on portraying fragile ecosystems, my optimism comes from the landscapes I visit and paint. Exploring national parks like Shenandoah, Acadia, Glacier, and beyond provides me with the opportunity to witness nature’s resilience and beauty, despite the impacts of our human footprint and climate change. For example, seeing the gradual melting of glaciers or the erosion in Shenandoah is sobering but also hopeful. I believe that when people visit these places, immerse themselves in the landscape, and enjoy the outdoors, they develop a deeper appreciation for nature’s beauty and vulnerability. Hopefully, exposure to these tremendous, shared landscapes inspires all who visit to care about conservation.

Hiking through Shenandoah’s forests, standing on Acadia’s cliffs, and summiting at Glacier’s peaks reminds me of nature’s strength and resilience. This connection is what I try to reveal through my art. By capturing specific details, like the texture of a rock formation or the layers and color variation of a wildflower meadow, I hope to inspire others to value and protect our shared world. I’m optimistic because I’ve found a unique way to portray my love of nature, while connecting with others. I hope that the conversations I have, both spoken and through the visual language of art, inspires greater awareness and efforts to preserve the earth for future generations.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I raise awareness about the environment through my artwork by using tactile elements and upcycled materials to depict the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems. My art isn’t just about visuals; it’s about creating a physical connection to nature. By incorporating textures and recycled papers, I aim to remind people of the tangible reality of environmental issues. It’s a way of saying that our actions leave a mark, just as my materials do on the canvas. This approach helps people feel a more personal connection to the themes I’m exploring, making the message of conservation more impactful.

What excites me most about my work is how it invites exploration and discovery. People often tell me that they find new details every time they look at one of my pieces, which mirrors the experience of exploring nature itself. With Wild Horizon Fine Art, I want people to know that my art is a journey, not just a destination. It’s about discovering the layers of our environment and recognizing the importance of every piece of the puzzle. My goal is to create art that not only beautifies spaces but also sparks curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

My solo exhibit, “Earth Awakened,” at Glen Echo Park for the Arts ended in July, but I’ve created a virtual gallery on my website for people to continue enjoying the work and leave feedback. https://www.wildhorizonfineart.com/portfolio-collections/exhibits/earth-awakened
My solo exhibit “Wild Harmony,” at 868 Estate Vineyards in Purcelville, VA will be on view through October 6. The rugged landscapes in Wild Harmony evoke the delicate balance between nature’s fragility and resilience. The virtual exhibit can be found on my website: https://www.wildhorizonfineart.com/portfolio-collections/exhibits/wild-harmony-exhibit. I would love to collect visitors’ comments to create a multi-media montage that incorporates our views, hopes and fears for the future of our planet.
I’ve also been working on a pollinator series and a summer sun series. These colorful paintings invite viewers to enjoy their own connection to nature and develop their own narrative.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have most impacted my journey as an artist are curiosity, risk-taking, and the importance of connections. I started in a public service career, where I met people from various backgrounds. Learning about different cultures and viewpoints expanded my perspective and imagination. Alongside this, I became a master gardener and beekeeper, developing a love for the science of symbiotic relationships. These experiences fueled my curiosity and desire to learn as much as possible. Eventually, I decided to shift gears and devote myself to eco-art activism, connecting with others through the universal language of visual art.

Leaving the security of my 9-5 job to pursue a creative path was a significant risk, but it was the best decision I ever made. I love what I do and believe strongly that people should follow their passion. Learning is essential; staying open to new experiences, learning from others’ perspectives, and continuously growing are crucial elements of success. My journey has taught me that taking risks and valuing connections can lead to fulfilling and impactful work.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I would love to collaborate with other artists, teachers, environmentalists, and entrepreneurs who have found creative ways to convey climate stories that invite others to join the conversation and ask questions, rather than create divisions. Collaboration can amplify our impact and inspire more people to care about and act on environmental issues. If you’re reading this and share a passion for engaging storytelling and environmental activism, please reach out to me at camille@wildhorizonfineart.com. Let’s work together to create a more connected and informed community through our shared creative efforts.

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